Zhao Contests Billion-Dollar Legal Challenge

Changpeng Zhao, the founder of Binance, is pushing back against a $1.76 billion lawsuit initiated by the FTX bankruptcy estate. Filed recently, Zhao’s legal team argues for dismissal based on the jurisdictional grounds since he resides in the United Arab Emirates, and as such, should not fall under the Delaware court’s jurisdiction. This legal fight traces back to a share buyback deal from July 2021, and Zhao’s defense underscores that the claims exceed the constraints of U.S. bankruptcy laws.

What are the Grounds of the FTX Estate’s Claim?

The accusations from the FTX side involve allegations against Zhao and Binance for improperly seizing $1.76 billion in cryptocurrency during share reacquisition agreements with Sam Bankman-Fried, FTX’s former CEO. According to the lawsuit, Binance secured cryptocurrency within a set package to buy back a significant portion of its global and U.S. operations.

How Does Zhao Challenge Jurisdiction?

Zhao’s defense hinges on jurisdictional arguments due to his residency in the UAE, thus challenging the Delaware court’s authority over him. The lawsuit suggests that the plaintiffs are overreaching by trying to apply U.S. bankruptcy regulations to activities conducted internationally, stating,

“The fraudulent transfer claims request an unjust extension of bankruptcy laws beyond U.S. borders.”

The contested transactions are of a cross-border nature, suggesting that American regulations might lack global jurisdiction. This echoes a previous challenge by Samuel Wenjun Lim and Dinghua Xiao, who argued earlier this year about the constitutional overreach.

Key takeaways from the unfolding legal scenario include:

• The ongoing legal battle centers on a significant $1.76 billion claim from a share buyback agreement.
• Zhao’s defense emphasizes geographical jurisdiction, weakening the Delaware court’s reach.
• There exists a broader discussion concerning the extension of U.S. bankruptcy laws internationally.

While Zhao’s jurisdictional argument forms the crux of the case, court deliberations remain pivotal in determining whether U.S. bankruptcy laws can be effectively enforced in this transnational dispute.